As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, I can’t help but crave the comforting tastes of fall. That’s where my Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies come in, a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. These cookies are not only simple to whip up but also a showstopper for any gathering, making them perfect for school events or cozy holiday platters. The soft, spiced cookies cradle a luscious caramel apple filling, offering an irresistible combination of texture and flavor that will keep everyone reaching for more. Trust me, they’re a surefire way to impress friends and family alike. Curious about how to create these warm, delicious bites and fill your kitchen with cozy fall vibes? Let’s dive in! Why Will You Adore These Cookies? Irresistible Flavor: The blend of apple pie spice and rich caramel creates a flavor profile that embodies autumn; every bite is a warm hug. Effortlessly Simple: Made with common ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Versatile Treat: Whether you’re attending a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, they fit any occasion. Consider pairing them with a warm cup of Apple Iced Tea for a delightful snack! Homemade Goodness: The filled centers of gooey caramel make these cookies stand out among other desserts, sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the dough in advance and chill it for great convenience; simply bake when the craving strikes! Once you’ve tried these Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll have a new seasonal favorite that leaves everyone wanting more. Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Dive into the perfect autumn dessert with these delightful cookies! For the Cookies • Granulated Sugar (1 cup + 1/3 cup) – Sweetness enhances the overall flavor; consider using brown sugar for a richer taste. • Apple Pie Spice (2 tsp total) – This blend adds a cozy aroma; a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg works as a great substitute. • All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups) – Provides the structure for the cookies; you can use bread flour for a chewier texture if you prefer. • Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Essential for fluffiness; don’t skip this ingredient. • Salt (1/4 tsp) – Balances the sweetness; a small amount is crucial for flavor enhancement. • Unsalted Butter (1 cup) – Adds richness and flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing. • Large Egg (1) – Acts as a binding agent; room temperature eggs incorporate more easily. • Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 tsp) – Boosts overall flavor; opt for pure extract for the best taste. For the Caramel Filling • Homemade Salted Caramel – This delicious filling creates a lovely gooey center, but store-bought caramel can also save time. These Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies are sure to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire, enveloping your home in those cozy autumn scents and flavors. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Step 1: Prep Coating In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice, stirring until well blended. This spiced sugar mixture will coat the dough balls later. Set the bowl aside, as you’ll need it once the cookie dough is ready, ensuring a flavorful, cozy exterior for your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies. Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This dry ingredient mixture is essential for creating the right texture and flavor balance in your cookies. Once fully combined, set this bowl aside for later use, allowing the spices to blend seamlessly. Step 3: Make Dough In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup plus 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until creamy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes. Add one large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, blending just until combined to ensure your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies are tender and delightful. Step 4: Form Cookies Using your hands, scoop out about 1 inch of cookie dough, rolling it into balls. Then, individually coat each ball in the spiced sugar mixture, ensuring they are well-covered. Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each. Chill the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to help maintain their shape while baking. Step 5: Bake Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while the dough chills. Once ready, take the cooled cookie balls out of the refrigerator and bake them in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they should look puffed but still soft in the center, which ensures a deliciously tender texture for your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies. Step 6: Fill with Caramel When the cookies are out of the oven, carefully remove them from the baking sheet and gently re-indent the centers if necessary. Immediately fill each indentation with homemade salted caramel, using a spoon or squeeze bottle, and return the cookies to the oven for another 1-2 minutes. This brief baking helps to melt the caramel slightly, creating that indulgent gooey center. Step 7: Cool Once the caramel-filled cookies are done baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps set the caramel filling before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. Let the cookies rest until the caramel is firm to the touch, ensuring your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies maintain their beautiful appearance and delicious flavor! Make Ahead Options These Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, you can roll the dough into balls and coat them in the spiced sugar mixture, storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the refrigerator and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies with gooey caramel centers that taste just as delightful as if they were made right before serving! What to Serve with Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Imagine a cozy gathering where warm scents fill the air and friends surround the table, indulging in a delightful spread. Spiced Apple Cider: This warm drink complements the cookies beautifully, enhancing their autumnal flavors and making every sip a comforting embrace. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the cookies with a scoop of ice cream; the cold, creamy texture balances the warm, spiced cookies perfectly. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A touch of extra caramel sauce on top elevates these thumbprint cookies, adding a gooey richness that’s undeniably delicious. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Sip this classic fall beverage alongside the cookies for a delightful fusion of flavors that heralds the season. Pecan Pie Bars: These decadent bars add a crunchy texture contrast and complement the spiced goodness of the cookies wonderfully. Harvest Salad: A fresh salad with greens, cranberries, and nuts brings bright flavors to the table, cutting through the sweetness of the cookies. Nutty Hot Chocolate: Pairing with a rich, nutty hot chocolate enhances the cozy vibes, perfect for those chilly fall evenings. Ginger Snap Cookies: Serve them alongside for a delightful cookie platter where various fall flavors can playfully mix and mingle. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in this tea echo the flavors in the cookies, making it an excellent warm beverage to savor together. Cheesecake Bites: Miniature cheesecake treats offer a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced cookies, providing variety and richness to dessert time. Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies with exciting twists! Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and replace egg with flaxseed meal for an equally tasty option. Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Fruity Swirl: Substitute the caramel with fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a fruity surprise in each bite. The vibrant flavors make these cookies pop with a delightful twist! Pumpkin Spice: Replace apple pie spice with pumpkin pie spice to embrace another fall favorite. The warm flavors of pumpkin will complement the caramel beautifully. Chocolate Drizzle: After filling with caramel, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch. This addition not only enhances the flavor but creates a visually stunning presentation. Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. This gives a cozy, holiday feel that will have everyone begging for more. Gluten-Free: Opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a safe and equally delicious version. Salted Caramel: Use a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the warm caramel filling to enhance the flavors and create an irresistible sweet and salty combo. Pair these with a cup of warm Apple Iced Tea for a cozy treat! No matter how you choose to adapt your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies, each variation promises to sprinkle a bit of joy into your kitchen this fall! Storage Tips for Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer with parchment paper between them, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Reheating: If you prefer them warm, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds to restore their delightful softness before serving. Expert Tips for Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Indent Depth: Aim for a 1/2 inch deep indentation in the cookie dough to hold the caramel without cracking. Chilling Dough: Chill the dough for a minimum of 2 hours to prevent them from spreading during baking; you can chill for up to 4 days! Filling Timing: Always add caramel after the first bake to prevent burning. A quick additional bake helps achieve a gooey goodness in the center. Freshness Matters: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Ingredient Quality: For the best flavor in your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies, always use high-quality vanilla extract and homemade caramel if time allows. Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of apples are best for the caramel filling? Absolutely! For the best flavor, use sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They balance beautifully with the caramel and spices, offering that delightful sweet-tart flavor perfect for fall. How should I store leftover cookies? To keep your Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them layered with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Very! To freeze the dough, scoop your cookie balls and coat them in the spiced sugar mixture as instructed. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. You can keep the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake straight from frozen for an extra couple of minutes! What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking? No worries! If your cookies spread too much, ensure the dough is properly chilled before baking; it should be cold to the touch after at least a 2-hour chill. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour accurately; too little can affect the cookie’s structure. Are these cookies suitable for pets or anyone with food allergies? Definitely keep these cookies away from pets due to the sugar and caramel! For allergies, they contain butter, eggs, and flour, which can be problematic for those with gluten or dairy restrictions. You can substitute with gluten-free flour and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies for Cozy Evenings Buttery Caramel Apple Spice Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful fall treat with a luscious caramel apple filling. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 42 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 cup granulated sugar plus 1/3 cup for coating2 tsp apple pie spice use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg if needed2.5 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with bread flour for chewier texture1 tsp baking powder essential for fluffiness1/4 tsp salt balances sweetness1 cup unsalted butter softened for easy mixing1 large egg room temperature for easier incorporation1.5 tsp vanilla extract opt for pure extract for best flavorFor the Caramel Fillinghomemade salted caramel store-bought caramel can also be used to save time Equipment mixing bowlsBaking sheetParchment paperwhiskScoop Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice, stirring until well blended. Set aside.In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup plus 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.Scoop about 1 inch of dough, roll into balls, and coat in the spiced sugar mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and make a thumb indentation. Chill for 2-3 hours.Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), then bake the chilled cookie balls for about 12 minutes.After baking, re-indent the centers and fill with salted caramel. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes.Cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract and homemade caramel if possible. 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